An Overview of English Education in Japanese Elementary Schools

Over the last couple of years, many English teachers and some part of the general public have been excited by news that the Mlinistry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture (hereafter referred to as Monbusho) will introduce English education in elementary schools in the future. English teachers who would like for students to have more practice in listening and speaking skills before facing the examination English generally taught in junior high schools and especially senior high schools were particularly enthusiastic about the initial reports. At this stage, the extent of English education that will be included in the new curriculum is still unclear. Exactly how much effect the changes will have on the listening and speaking abilities of incoming junior high school students in the future is obviously also unknown.
In this article, I will examine the state of English education in Japanese elementary schools today. First, the present situation regarding English education in Japanese elementary schools will be discussed Next, relevant sections of reports issued by the Ministry of Education will be examined and comments will be made. Looking at these reports, released over the course of the last couple years, gives an idea of the ministry's intentions regarding the way English will be taught in the future in Japanese public schools. After that, one incredibly different elementary school in Japan which has an English immersion program option for its students will be introduced. Finally, there will be a conclusion and topics for further research will be suggested.